Telecommunications Needs Drive Laser Improvements

This year, dense wavelength division multiplexed (DWDM) systems will expand from typical networks of 16 2.5-Gb/s channels to those with 80 or more 2.5-Gb/s channels, or up 40 10-Gb/s channels. This expansion will drive an increase in laser power for both transmitter and amplifier pump lasers at 980 and 1440 nm.